Clicking and VERY low speed vibration

[SBeretz]

Just recently since I have been away training, I have a weird occurrance where there is a slight clicking noise when turning to the right. It is a light CLICK, CLICK, CLICK and it doesn't do it everytime, but it does do it enough to make me wonder. Then, since I have come back from another training exercise, the truck shakes (slightly) when slowing (under 5 mph) and when starting out. It is not earth shattering but I took it to a local shop thinking it might be an axle joint, or something and they didn't find anything. Just wondering if any of you have experienced the same thing. It does it with the clutch fully depressed while slowing, so I am not sure if it is a clutch problem either. Anyhow, if any of you have any advice I would like to know, the shop checked all the joints (as did I) and I didn't see anything weird and there is no grinding like a bad u joint. Thanks for the help fellers. Scotty

 

[Bob V]

Most likely a u-joint, can't tell by looking, feel ALL the joints after a long drive for a hot cap.

 

[moonranch]

The slow speed vibration might be the tires. I have some AT Dunlop's that have a slight vibration when going under 5mph.

 

[SBeretz]

Do you think it is an axle u joint, or a driveline u joint? The tires have about 15k on them but have never given any trouble before. I have 55k on the truck, so I find it hard to believe the joints could be shot already, but I guess they are a common occurance on the Dodges. Scotty

 

[Bob V]

I'd look at the driveline joints first.

 

[DRyder]

Have you had any brake work done on the front recently? There are retainer clips that can rub if not installed correctly creating the clicking sound you are referring to.

 

[SBeretz]

I have not had any brake work done. I will check the front tires and see if something got rubbed when I rotated my tires last. I did find the need point grease fitting in the front CV joint and pumped some grease in it. Can't really tell if that has done anything though. Scotty

 

[MVenditti]

I had a clicking on slow speed turns that sounded like u joints but with only 10000 miles. Then remembered tires were changed. Checked lug nuts and that was it. Tightened all with cheap craftsman torque wrench for lugs and fine. The clad aluminum wheels need proper torque to stay tight.

 

[rbattelle]

My guess is a front axle universal joint. I hope the shop that "looked" at them didn't charge you; you generally can't tell a bad joint by looking at it or feeling it.

Ryan

 

[Rollin' Heavy]

Hey Scotty,



I have a 2005 Dodge Ram and I am having a similiar problem. Here is the link to my problem. Could you tell me if it is roughly the same as problem?



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...sions-2003-2007/211021-braking-vibration.html

 

[steved]

My guess is a front axle universal joint. I hope the shop that "looked" at them didn't charge you; you generally can't tell a bad joint by looking at it or feeling it.



Ryan

Axle joints are easy to diagnose... simply turn the steering full lock and spin the wheel. The culprit will show itself easily... it will bind every time that pin come up...